General Manager, Readiness and Response

Job Summary

General Manager - Readiness & Response provides executive leadership for CNA’s operational ecosystem, ensuring technical excellence, readiness, safety, and efficiency across all service lines.

Working closely with the CEO and the Executive Leadership Team, the GM translates CNA’s strategic objectives into robust operational systems – driving continuous improvement, optimizing financial and operational performance, and positioning CNA as the most reliable environmental emergency response partner in Africa.

Key Responsibilities

A. Strategic Operations & Business Execution

1. Develop and implement CNA’s operational master plan aligned with the 5-year strategic roadmap.

2. Ensure technical and operational readiness and performance across all CNA bases (West, East).

3. Lead preparedness systems covering equipment lifecycle, maintenance, deployment readiness, and logistics.

4. Translate strategic priorities into actionable annual plans and KPIs.

5. Institutionalize continuous improvement and cost optimisation frameworks.

B. Technical Leadership & Service Quality

6. Oversee execution of CNA’s oil spill response programs in line with local and global best practices and standards.

7. Lead operational audits, QHSE compliance reviews, and emergency response drills to sustain zero-incident operations.

8. Supervise deployment of response assets and ensure maintenance of ≥95% technical readiness.

9. Ensure operational teams are adequately trained, certified, and field-ready.

10. Foster partnerships with OEMs and R&D institutions to drive technical innovation.

C. Operational Excellence, Training & Certification

11. Co-develop CNA’s Training and Certification Centre to enhance internal and external capability building.

12. Integrate scenario-based learning, simulation drills, and incident management trainings.

13. Align operational frameworks with CNA’s evolution into a regional certifying body.

14. Oversee incident investigations and ensure systemic preventive actions are institutionalized.

15. Champion digital transformation in asset tracking, maintenance management, and performance reporting.

D. Financial Stewardship & Resource Optimization

16. Oversee operational budgets, capital expenditure (CAPEX), and cost optimization across service lines.

17. Drive financial discipline towards achieving CNA’s non-cash call revenue targets.

18. Implement financial performance tracking systems and variance management.

19. Negotiate vendor and partner contracts ensuring cost efficiency and compliance.

20. Maintain equipment and inventory availability above 95%.

E. People Leadership & Organizational Culture

21. Build and sustain a culture of operational discipline, accountability and technical excellence.

22. Mentor and develop operational leaders across CNA bases.

23. Implement workforce planning, capability development, and succession systems.

24. Strengthen collaboration across Operations, Training, Finance, and Strategy functions.

25. Model ethical leadership, transparency, and safety-first mindset.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Petroleum, Marine, or Mechanical Engineering.

• Master’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering Management, or Business Administration preferred.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership in oil spill response, environmental services, or industrial operations, including at least 5 years in senior operational management across multi- site/regional portfolios.

• Proven record of driving operational efficiency, cost optimization, and QHSE excellence.

• ISO 9001/14001/45001 Lead Auditor; NEBOSH IGC; ICS 300/400 or its equivalent; PMP/PRINCE2.

• IMO Level 3 certification (CNA Class B certification).

• Membership in Nigerian Environmental Society, International Spill Control Organisation (ISCO) or similar international environmental bodies is desirable.

• Deep technical knowledge of oil spill response systems and logistics.

• Expertise in QHSE management, preparedness frameworks, and operational readiness audits.

• Strong process optimization and resource planning skills.

• Demonstrated ability to integrate financial and operational performance metrics.

• Skilled in stakeholder management and regulatory engagement.

• Strong leadership, coaching, and talent development capability.

• Proficiency in digital operations management tools and data-driven reporting.